Rafael van der Vaart's move to Tottenham Hotspur confirmed
Tottenham Hotspur have today had their signing of Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart rubber-stamped by English Premier League officials.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp had moved to sign the player, who featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, just two hours before the transfer window slammed shut at 1800 GMT yesterday after being alerted to his availability by Madrid.
The White Hart Lane club faced a race against time to complete all the required paperwork to secure the signing of the 27-year-old on a four-year deal for a fee of eight million pounds, but were impaired by technical problems with a computer server.
Transfer investigated
After the EPL investigated the details of the move, they today allowed Van der Vaart to be registered as a Spurs player and complete his move to London from Real Madrid.
The attacking midfielder had been subject to speculation linking him with moves away from Madrid all summer after the club brought in several midfielders and claimed they would have to allow some players to move on. Head coach Jose Mourinho brought in players such as Germany World Cup stars Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira as well as Angel di Maria, Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon. Van der Vaart faced further competition for a starting berth in the form of Kaka, though the Brazilian superstar is currently out injured.
Van der Vaart told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf of his shock at how quickly the move had transpired. He said that: "The interest from Tottenham came very quick and I did not have much time to think. But I want to play football again and if possible every week, with a beautiful club. I'm totally happy. I am excited about playing in England. Whether it suits my style remains to be seen, but I think a good footballer can adapt and I am very proud of this transfer."
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